You can help UNICEF save children's lives in Darfur, Sudan. Nearly 700,000 children have grown up knowing nothing but the conflict. The situation today in Darfur is critical following the suspension of nearly 40 percent of the humanitarian workforce by the government of Sudan earlier this year. UNICEF is working around the clock to help children as the struggle for survival in Sudan has become even more desperate—1.3 million people in the south of the country are expected to lose their food supplies this year.
The situation in Darfur
- As many as 300,000 people have died in Darfur since the start of the conflict in 2003.
- Some 4.7 million people—70 percent of the population—are currently directly affected by the conflict.
- More than 2.7 million Darfuri people have been displaced in the last 6 years.
Half of those affected by the conflict are children. Of these, nearly 700,000 have grown up knowing nothing but the conflict.
UNICEF's humanitarian relief activities in Sudan
UNICEF has maintained a significant humanitarian operation in Darfur since the crisis began. Over the years, UNICEF has helped scores of children and families with lifesaving supplies and initiatives. Highlights from UNICEF's 2008 programs include:
- Providing clean water to more than 375,000 people for the first time, and maintaining existing supplies for more than 1 million people.
- Distributing over 388,000 anti-malarial bed nets.
- Immunization campaigns that protected over 160,000 children against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough and up to 1.58 million children against polio.
- Constructing or repairing over 1,100 classrooms to benefit nearly 55,000 children.
- Supplying therapeutic food to 53,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition.
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Threats to humanitarian programs On March 4, the government of Sudan revoked the licenses of 16 humanitarian organizations, suspending their activities in the country. This will potentially impact 1.3 million people. |
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Ongoing challenges for women and children In Darfur, the condition of women and children remains highly vulnerable. In the last 2 years, the rate of acute malnutrition has been above what is considered the emergency threshold. |
In recent months, UNICEF has increased humanitarian relief activities in Sudan and is working around the clock to help ensure children do not suffer from the suspension of the 16 humanitarian organizations.
To meet immediate needs throughout Sudan, UNICEF has drilled new wells, built latrines, distributed a wide range of vital supplies—including vaccines, medicines, surgical equipment, health kits, and therapeutic food—and provided funding to keep some health clinics and feeding centers open. UNICEF has also trained health workers and supported efforts to identify and protect children who have been separated from their families.
Please consider supporting UNICEF's efforts in Sudan, as we work to fill the gaps left by the ouster of our valuable partners.
